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Post by pooh bears mom on May 17, 2023 18:23:32 GMT -5
Instead of the villages, why not a condo closer to disney? Maybe Kissemmee?
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Post by henrycpa on May 18, 2023 8:20:07 GMT -5
When you purchase resale in the Villages, there are two types of markets. Homes sold through The Villages realtors and those sold through the MLS. Villages realtors can only sell home listed through the Villages, and the other realtors can only sell homes listed through MLS. So when searching, you will need to contact two separate realtors to look at those homes. A really great MLS realtor is Robyn Cavallaro robyncavallaro.com/florida-real-estateHomes are still selling briskly, the ones priced right and in good condition. Also you can take a lifestyle visit through The Villages and get a first hand feel for the area. Best of luck. That area has mega multiplied within the ten years we have researched it. There are currently four squares and many neighborhoods that span four zip codes. Robyn is a wealth of info and will keep it real for you. Forgot to mention you can have guests visit for the summer. They will get their own amenity pass and can enjoy all of the amenities afforded to you. A friend of ours was told they still have a 30 year plan for expansion. Building over 300 homes per year... |
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Post by henrycpa on May 18, 2023 8:21:03 GMT -5
Instead of the villages, why not a condo closer to disney? Maybe Kissemmee? We want more than just Disney. Love the idea of the entertainment options, golf cart living, and Executive Golf. A 45min to hour drive is not too bad to go see a band in Epcot for a day. |
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Post by henrycpa on May 18, 2023 8:23:22 GMT -5
. Even though politically we are either conservative liberals or liberal conservatives we would have been too far left for the area and the realtor let us know it. (please this is a statement not an intention to start a political discussion). Once again most of my information is based on a single morning spent there and I will readily admit my info is only slightly better than a Disney bus driver or as Dennis Miller use to end his show "that's just my opinion, I could be wrong." This is interesting to me. The Couple that got me started on this is definitely left leaning and they did not come away with that impression. Thanks for the heads up. I would prefer to be as apolotical as possible in retirement... |
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Post by BWV Dreamin on May 18, 2023 8:33:43 GMT -5
The Villages is overwhelmingly Republican. During the election year, there will be many campaign rally’s held in the Villages. Just kind of what it is. I don’t think people are mean there, so if you lean Democrat you will be just fine.
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Post by Wiltony on May 18, 2023 10:54:16 GMT -5
. Even though politically we are either conservative liberals or liberal conservatives we would have been too far left for the area and the realtor let us know it. (please this is a statement not an intention to start a political discussion). Once again most of my information is based on a single morning spent there and I will readily admit my info is only slightly better than a Disney bus driver or as Dennis Miller use to end his show "that's just my opinion, I could be wrong." This is interesting to me. The Couple that got me started on this is definitely left leaning and they did not come away with that impression. Thanks for the heads up. I would prefer to be as apolotical as possible in retirement... I'm the opposite, haha! I see retirement as finally being able to be as political as I want! In my career, I have to be very neutral and apolitical all the time, so it would be freeing to just share my unfiltered opinion for once. |
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Post by henrycpa on May 18, 2023 11:07:09 GMT -5
Del Webb and Crystal Lagoon are some good ones too. To check out. We have friends about to close on a Del Webb Bayview over by Tampa (Parrish). It is a nice community. No golf though, I don't think. And not a lot around them. But there are a few Del Webbs in FL. One near Disney called Oasis. Crystal Lagoon looks pretty cool too. We have seen 2 being built, one by Tampa too, Epperson in Wesley Chapel area. We are in Four Seasons by Khov. We are 55+ and on Mystic Dunes golf course. We have 2 pools, hot tub, tennis and pickle ball courts and huge clubhouse with all kinds of activities and folks ride around in golf carts. We are 12 mins drive to AK. In Kissimmee. They just closed Mystic Dunes to totally redo the golf course. It was in bad shape. The resort there got bought out by Hilton. It's a timeshare resort. They have a bar restaurant, Kenzies, we love to hang at as do all the neighbors. We can walk, golf cart, bike or drive to it. There is a gate inside our neighborhood to get there. The neighbors golf at Mystic Dunes. We dont so I am not sure if they get a package or membership or just pay like a public course. They have single family homes and 2 bedroom villas in the neighborhood, we bought a SFH all one floor living and love it. They are almost done building. Think there are other Four Seasons too. And there is Margartiaville. We are right by one. They have all kinds of stuff, activities, pools, bars and restaurants. Not sure on the golf. We have other friends in a gated golf community near Tampa that's not 55+. It's on lake Jovita in Dade City. They love it. We visited and it's a nice area but not a lot around. We like having lots of action around us. Lots of places to eat and drink. Thank you for this info. I may check out the area around Mystic Dunes. |
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Post by BWV Dreamin on May 18, 2023 11:43:20 GMT -5
Henry, really research things like the price of homeowner insurance, roof replacements. Homeowners insurance will not cover roofs older than 10-12 yrs old despite being in great shape. A 1700 square foot home in the Villages can expect to pay $2000+ for home owner insurance. There are other hidden “fees” that are not disclosed on the listings. I’m sure you are aware of the home “ bonds”?
Lots of things unique to living in Florida today. It is definitely not as cheap as you may think.
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Post by a1000monkeys on May 18, 2023 12:31:13 GMT -5
I watched this video on YouTube last night about the Villages. Honestly it looks like a lot of fun. Everyday is summer vacation. Too many seniors are isolated and lonely in retirement and this place looks like a great way to stay socially connected.
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Post by Wiltony on May 18, 2023 16:34:33 GMT -5
The Villages has had a notorious reputation for years as far as extra circular activities. I’m not talking basket weaving or guitar lessons….. I swear I came across a youtube video on this once, and it was the first time I ever heard of the Villages! I'm pretty sure your take is accurate, and funny enough, is the first thing I think of when I hear about that place! 
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Post by hatfieldhlt on May 18, 2023 19:35:38 GMT -5
From my uncle that visited there it sounds a bit like high school but with golf carts and even more alcohol. Can you rent before you buy to make sure it's for you? I imagine there would be a honeymoon phase where everything seems great but then begins to tire after awhile - like high school. This matches my lone Villages experience. About 10 years ago, we were waiting for Fantasmic to start and met two couples from The Villages. They were trying to convince my (unbeknownst to them, long since divorced) parents to move down in between enjoying several bottles of wine. They were a hoot and we still smile at the memory but I could see it being exhausting on a daily basis. |
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Post by henrycpa on May 19, 2023 6:36:44 GMT -5
Henry, really research things like the price of homeowner insurance, roof replacements. Homeowners insurance will not cover roofs older than 10-12 yrs old despite being in great shape. A 1700 square foot home in the Villages can expect to pay $2000+ for home owner insurance. There are other hidden “fees” that are not disclosed on the listings. I’m sure you are aware of the home “ bonds”? Lots of things unique to living in Florida today. It is definitely not as cheap as you may think. Was not aware of the insurance but I think that is an issue in FL in general isn't it? On the Bonds, yes. If we were going to buy existing we will factor that into purchase price and maybe even filter by those who have retired their bonds. More worried about the HVAC and heat. I wonder if the Villages allow any Solar panels? Hmmm..something to look at. |
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Post by tomandrobin on May 19, 2023 6:53:20 GMT -5
I watched this video on YouTube last night about the Villages. Honestly it looks like a lot of fun. Everyday is summer vacation. Too many seniors are isolated and lonely in retirement and this place looks like a great way to stay socially connected. We have friends that moved into a similar type community in Virginia. There are so many activities and things to do. Everyday is like being on vacation. Its an extremely active and fun community. Our friends absolutely love living there. |
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Post by tomandrobin on May 19, 2023 7:59:00 GMT -5
So....I just watched most of that video. Wow, it sure looks like a lot of fun and a great place to live and play.
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Post by henrycpa on May 19, 2023 8:19:53 GMT -5
So....I just watched most of that video. Wow, it sure looks like a lot of fun and a great place to live and play. I am of the same mind. I love my beach condo but at this point am very weary of the unknown assessments. |
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